Fraud-related offences topped the charges against 134 Nigerians listed on a United States immigration enforcement register. An analysis of the records confirmed the pattern on Thursday.
The Nigerians appeared among foreign nationals identified by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security listed them in its “Worst of the Worst” register. The register named individuals arrested by ICE and detailed the offences linked to their cases.
Officials added the latest 10 names in August. This raised the total number of Nigerians on the register to 134. An earlier list published in July had contained 124 names.
Fraud, including wire and mail fraud, appeared in 59 records. This made it the most frequent broad category. Money laundering followed in 17 records.
Sex offences and theft or larceny each appeared in 16 records. Identity theft was also listed against 16 Nigerians. Offences involving assault or other forms of violence featured in 24 records.
Drug-related offences appeared in 10 records. Conspiracy was listed in seven cases. Immigration-related offences, including illegal re-entry, alien smuggling and flight to avoid prosecution, featured in six records.
Other offences, including weapons offences, forgery, computer crimes, counterfeiting, driving under the influence and public-order offences, appeared in 18 records. Many individuals faced multiple charges, so the category totals exceeded 134.
The analysis cited specific cases. Temitope Bashua faced charges of wire fraud, identity theft and fraud. Chukwuemeka Okorocha was linked to wire fraud, dangerous drugs, weapon possession and aggravated assault. Chukwuemeka Chinye faced banking-related fraud, larceny, identity theft and conspiracy.
The August update did not state when the newly listed individuals would be deported. The earlier July publication also gave no specific timeline for the 124 Nigerians then on the register.
